# territorial

/ˌtɛɹɪˈtɔɹiəɫ/ (US) · /tˌɛɹɪtˈɔːɹɪəl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/territorial
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. protecting an area

adjective · CEFR B2

behaving in a way that shows you want to protect your own area from others.

For teachers: displaying territoriality; defensive of a specific geographic area against intruders.

- Male birds often become very territorial during the spring to protect their nests.
- The species is known for its highly territorial nature, with males engaging in complex vocal displays to ward off potential rivals from their feeding grounds.

### 2. relating to a region

adjective · CEFR B2

relating to a specific piece of land or a particular country.

For teachers: of or relating to a specific geographic area or territory.

- The two countries are currently involved in a territorial dispute over the islands.
- The treaty aimed to resolve long-standing territorial claims that had hindered economic cooperation between the neighbouring states for decades.

### 3. a part-time soldier

noun · CEFR C1 · British English

a member of a military force that is usually only active for home defence.

For teachers: a non-professional member of a territorial army or home defence force.

- He spent his weekends training as a territorial in the local regiment.
- The battalion was largely composed of territorials who were mobilised rapidly following the declaration of the national emergency.

## Examples

- The male bird becomes very territorial during the spring.
- Some dogs are naturally territorial and will bark at anyone who walks past the front gate of their home.
- While many species share resources peacefully, others exhibit highly territorial displays to ensure they maintain exclusive access to the best nesting sites and food sources within their range.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.